Knowledge Peers

Ric is Chairman of HLBBshaw, Patent Attorney, and a Partner with Restoration Partners, an IT advisory business, and has directed or chaired several other companies. In this interview he explains why ethical behaviour – propriety – is not always properly followed in the boardroom, and why it’s so important.

Ric is Chairman of HLBBshaw, Patent Attorneys, and a Partner with Restoration Partners, an IT advisory business, and has directed or chaired several other companies. In this interview he explains the behaviours and characteristics that he feels make for an exceptional NED - there are several things that make a difference.

Ric is Chairman of HLBBshaw, Patent Attorneys, and a Partner with Restoration Partners, an IT advisory business, and has directed or chaired several other companies. In this interview he explains why his “6 Ps” are the key things NEDs should focus on in directing a business to success:

• Profit
• Pennies
• Performance
• Projects
• Politics
• People.

Ric is Chairman of HLBBshaw, Patent Attorneys, and a Partner with Restoration Partners, an IT advisory business, and has directed or chaired several other companies. In this interview he explains his view that there are only two things a Chairman really must do – and do well: choose the right board members and support the CEO. A single change to the board can make a big difference.

Julian Spooner has had regular appointments as a Chairman of business, including those with private equity backing. Here, Julian gives some insight into the pressure that a Chairman faces when involved with a company that is in financial stress, and why being crystal clear on the different options for the business is vital.

Ric is Chairman of HLBBshaw, Patent Attorneys, and a Partner with Restoration Partners, an IT advisory business, and has directed or chaired several other companies. In this interview he explains his “4 Cs:” guidelines for value-adding behaviour in NEDs. To contribute to a business they should be:

• Compatible
• Curious
• ‘Countable’
• Courageous

In early 2008, Julian Spooner was appointed as Chairman of Reach, a marketing services business that works with major FMCG brands. Reach is financed by a mix of private equity and bank debt. Here Julian discusses the challenges of the Chairman role, covering:

• Where the Chairman’s responsibilities lie
• The importance of transparency on performance
• Why nervous management teams can fail
• The particular pressures on the finance director
• Ultimately, if the relationship bet...

The credit crunch has had a dramatic impact on the supply of funding for larger, growing companies. Is it feasible to find equity backing in this environment, and how should you go about doing it? Is the funding there, and at what price? What are private equity investors looking for and what do they expect in return for their investment?

Based on the recent experience of those involved in the private equity market, including companies seeking funds, this Talking Guide helps executives get...

The credit crunch has had a dramatic impact on the supply of funding for larger, growing companies. Is it feasible to find equity backing in this environment, and how should you go about doing it? Is the funding there, and at what price? What are private equity investors looking for and what do they expect in return for their investment?

Based on the recent experience of those involved in the private equity market, including companies seeking funds, this Talking Guide helps executives ge...

Simon Cole is CEO of UBC Media. UBC is an ever-changing and ever-growing company encompassing a range of businesses serving the growing digital radio sector. It is a listed business. Simon discusses the importance of the Chair's role when the CEO finds they are at odds with their board.

Richard Anson is the Co-founder of independent and impartial review website Reevoo. Prior to starting Reevoo he was a senior strategy consultant at KPMG covering the technology space.

In this interview Richard discusses:

• his motivations in setting up the business
• his expectations from the outset
• how he financed the business.

Ian Sanders is a micro-entrepreneur and business author. He runs a business & marketing consultancy OHM, and is the author of ‘Juggle! Rethink Work, Reclaim Your Life’ and ‘Leap! Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business & Set Yourself Free’.In this interview Ian explains:

• Why an economic downturn can be a good time to start a company
• Tips on how to start a company during a downturn

Ian Sanders is a micro-entrepreneur and business author. He runs a business & marketing consultancy OHM, and is the author of ‘Juggle! Rethink Work, Reclaim Your Life’ and ‘Leap! Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business & Set Yourself Free’.In this interview Ian discusses:

• How to manage your time
• How to combine work, play and family life successfully

Ian Sanders is a micro-entrepreneur and business author. He runs a business & marketing consultancy OHM, and is the author of ‘Juggle! Rethink Work, Reclaim Your Life’ and ‘Leap! Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business & Set Yourself Free’.In this interview Ian discusses:

• How he manages his work life
• What people should think about when trying to manage time
• What people can get wrong when trying to manage time

Jill Franklin, the Managing Director of Franklin Rae PR, talks about PR client engagement models and how PR results can be measured.

In this interview Jill covers:

• the pros and cons of the retainer model, one-off model and results based models
• how the current economic climate is changing some clients’ approach to PR
• how PR can be measured on a quantitative and/or qualitative basis.

Brad Martin is founder of Thin Martian. A creative agency that designs and builds websites, campaigns, tools and games, using social network sites like Facebook and Twitter.

In this interview Brad discusses:

• How he set up Thin Martian
• Changing his company to meet with the times

Jill Franklin, the Managing Director of Franklin Rae PR, talks about why a growing business should use PR.

In this interview Jill covers:

• the benefits of using PR
• how PR should be used in entrepreneur led businesses
• how PR can be used to increase the value of your business prior to sale.

In this audio podcast Julian Spooner has had regular appointments as a Chairman of business, including those with private equity backing. Here, Julian gives some insight into the pressure that a Chairman faces when involved with a company that is in financial stress, and why being crystal clear on the different options for the business is vital.

In this audio podcast: In early 2008, Julian Spooner was appointed as Chairman of Reach , a marketing services business that works with major FMCG brands. Reach is financed by a mix of private equity and bank debt. Here Julian discusses the challenges of the Chairman role, covering:

Where the Chairman’s responsibilities lie
• The importance of transparency on performance
• Why nervous management teams can fail
• The particular pressures on the finance director
• Ultimately, i...